Can You Get Dental Implants While Pregnant?

In short, dental implants during pregnancy are not recommended. This is a surgically invasive procedure that involves anesthesia and a certain level of stress, so it’s better to wait till the baby is born. If you decide to delay the treatment, the risks to your health and well-being of a future child are less than when undergoing surgery. Moreover, the rush can cause early dental implant failure. 

A pregnant woman experiences physiological changes, including those in the oral cavity. Tooth mobility, swollen gums, inflammation, and changes in salivary composition in pregnant women may negatively affect the process of osseointegration. Besides, in case of adverse effects, they can’t benefit from specific antibiotics, which increases the risk of saying “farewell” to a successful outcome.

Risks of Dental Implant Surgery During Pregnancy

Let’s examine which factors associated with implant surgery can potentially affect the fetus and the procedure’s success:

• Anesthesia. The drugs administered to an expecting mother are transferred to the fetus via the placenta, which may result in various negative effects.
• Medications. Taking certain pain medications may have potential risks, and even the lowest effective dose of drug intervention can be insufficient for dental surgery.
• Dental X-Rays. If properly performed, dental radiographic procedures aren’t likely to harm the fetus. This enables the possibility of planning future dental treatment at any stage during pregnancy.
• Stress. High stress from dental anxiety or pain during oral surgery can enhance the level of cortisol and harm the fetus.
• Healing. The satisfactory result largely depends on how stable your oral tissues are. Issues with gums and changes in blood flow in pregnant women can promote slower recovery.

Given that implant success may be compromised, it’s reasonable to postpone surgical intervention till childbirth. This way, you can take care of both your health and your baby’s welfare.

Is Dental Treatment Safe During Pregnancy?

Dental problems can occur at any time during pregnancy. Let’s see whether dental treatment, particularly positioning of implants, is safe during each trimester.

1. First Trimester (Week 1–13). During this time, the most important structures develop in the fetus, making it vital to postpone elective dental treatment until week 13. If a fetus is exposed to chemicals with the risk to induce mutations, it may develop a birth defect.
2. Second Trimester (Week 14–27). This period is considered the safest for unavoidable dental work and local anesthesia, but it doesn’t refer to implants. The need for any dental treatment in pregnant women during the second trimester should be meticulously evaluated.
3. Third Trimester (Week 28–till childbirth). The effects of local anesthetics may manifest more prominently than in the second trimester, but it’s still desired to delay surgical procedures to avoid pregnancy complications.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that mothers-to-be undergo dental treatment between the 14th and 20th week. However, elective procedures like dental implantation should be deferred until delivery.

What Dentists Recommend

Oral health care is generally effective during pregnancy, and certain dental treatments are safe to get. However, dental implants and pregnancy aren’t the best match. It’s better to start the process of replacing your missing tooth within a few months postpartum.

Meanwhile, most dentists recommend considering temporary solutions to maintain oral function. Temporary restorations, such as removable partial dentures or dental bridges, can help preserve the area for a future implant, sustain a healthy bite, and enhance the aesthetics. If you want to contemplate the intricacies of the implant process, you may initiate a thorough discussion with an experienced dentist and learn your options. There are always safe alternative treatments to consider while you are waiting for a permanent solution. 

Conclusion

Pregnancy is accompanied by a range of hormonal changes that can impact oral health. The risk of gum bleeding, inflammation, and sensitivity increases, which creates extra considerations regarding dental treatment. The developing fetus is susceptible to anesthesia and certain medications, not to mention the stress during implant placement. Therefore, it’s best to postpone surgical intervention till you give birth to your baby and have enough time to recover.

However, dental X-Rays have proven safe during pregnancy if performed correctly. This enables the possibility to plan ahead for dental surgery with your dentist. A doctor can assess your jawbone health, help identify aesthetic and functional goals, and come up with a customized treatment plan for you while you are still waiting for a child. If you want to start the treatment process but have concerns about the risks associated with implant placement during pregnancy, our specialists can provide you with an all-encompassing consultation, with a focus on your and your child’s health. 

FAQ About Dental Implants and Pregnancy

Additional Resources

1. There are never enough opinions about dental care during pregnancy. Read this survey by Connecticut general dentists to understand the effects of procedures provided for pregnant women according to trimester.
2. Learn current recommendations for dental care during pregnancy in this expert article by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
3. Since pregnant women can develop periodontal disease, it’s vital to learn about adverse pregnancy outcomes to prevent associated risk factors for the fetus.